UK companies are changing how they hire, according to data from LinkedIn that found a 14.2% increase in the share of UK job postings that don’t require a university degree. The increase was measured between April 2021 and April 2024. In addition, job posts mentioning apprenticeships rose in several sectors including retail, up 58.7%; utilities, up 60.6%; and technology, up 16.2%.

LinkedIn said its data also show that recruiters are five times more likely to search for candidates based on skills rather than accolades such as university degrees.

Soft skills are also key for UK employers. LinkedIn data found that nine in 10 said soft skills are more important than ever before. In addition, soft skills are included among the top skills employers seek: communication, customer service, management, leadership and teamwork.

Other findings in the data include:

• The skills needed for UK jobs are predicted to change 65% by 2030, with change being accelerated by developments in AI.
• 48% of the UK’s fastest-growing jobs didn’t exist 20 years ago.